There are no indications of damage to Iranian nuclear facilities, and a UN call to respect freedom of navigation and restraint

However, the agency’s director general, Rafael Grossi, warned that “the situation today is extremely worrying,” and warned that… “We cannot rule out the possibility of a radiation leak with serious consequences, including the necessity of evacuating areas the size of major cities or larger.”

Speaking at the special session of the agency’s Board of Governors, today, Monday, Grossi reiterated his call for all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation, reiterating that “Armed attacks should never be launched on nuclear facilities, as they may result in radioactive leaks with serious consequences inside and outside the borders of the targeted country.”

The United States of America and Israel launched massive military strikes against Iran on Saturday, followed by retaliatory strikes launched by Iran.

The UN official said that the agency responded immediately, in accordance with its mandate, by focusing on potential radiological emergencies resulting from military operations, indicating that efforts are continuing to contact the Iranian nuclear regulatory authorities without receiving any response so far, expressing his hope that this necessary communication channel will be reopened as soon as possible.

Other countries in the region

Grossi explained that Iran and many other countries in the region that have been subjected to military attacks possess operating nuclear power plants and nuclear research reactors, in addition to associated fuel storage sites, which exacerbates the threat to nuclear safety.

He said that the United Arab Emirates has four operating nuclear reactors; Jordan and Syria have operating nuclear research reactors, he said, adding that Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia – all of which have been subject to attacks – all use nuclear applications of one kind or another.

Diplomacy is the way

To achieve long-term guarantees that Iran will not obtain nuclear weapons, and to maintain the effectiveness of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, Grossi stressed the need to return to diplomacy and negotiations.

He continued, saying: “Diplomacy is difficult, but it is not impossible. Nuclear diplomacy is harder, but it is not impossible either. The question is not whether we will meet again at the diplomatic table, but when we will do it – we simply have to do it as quickly as possible.”

Concerned about the impact of the conflict on civilians

On the other hand, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees expressed grave concern about the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, its impact on civilians, and the worsening displacement in the region.

The agency explained in a statement that many of the affected countries are already hosting millions of refugees and internally displaced people. Continued violence threatens to overwhelm humanitarian capacities and increase pressure on host communities.

The UN agency supported the UN Secretary-General’s urgent call for dialogue, de-escalation, respect for human rights, protection of civilians, and full compliance with international law.

A call to respect freedom of navigation

Regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez expressed deep concern over reports that at least one person was killed and several sailors were injured in attacks on commercial ships.

He confirmed that “There is no justification for any attack on innocent sailors or civilian vessels. These crews are simply doing their job and must be protected from the effects of broader geopolitical tensions.”

Arsenio Dominguez said in press release Freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international maritime law, and must be respected by all parties without exception.

He indicated that he is closely monitoring the situation, and urged all shipping companies to exercise extreme caution. “Wherever possible, ships should avoid crossing the affected area until conditions improve.”

He also called on all stakeholders to be wary of misleading information and to rely only on reliable sources when making navigational decisions.

This article will be updated with relevant developments.